Information for Donor Families

The death of a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences for family and friends. LOPA realizes the grief process is different for everyone.

While there is no cure for grief, we hope that some of the information we provide here in the Family Services section will be helpful to you. Our Family Services staff is available to support the families of our donors at any time. If you have any questions or are looking for more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at familyservices@lopa.org or call 1.800.521.GIVE (4483) and ask for Family Services.

Please take a moment to learn about the services and opportunities LOPA offers to our donor families. We would love to honor your Hero in our Hero Stories section on our website. Please click here to learn how to submit your loved one's story.

The following suggestions are intended to help you organize your thoughts.

When you return home, you may want to:

Contact other family members and close friends

Discuss the choice of a funeral home with close family and friends

Have a relative, friend or neighbor answer the phone or help with phone calls if you have to notify a number of people

Notify your loved one's employer

If children are involved, notify the school

Contact your attorney, if you have one, who will be able to assist you with any legal issues

Have someone keep a list of all phone calls and flower and food donations

Determine if you would like donations made to an organization or charity in memory of your loved one

Prior to going to the funeral home, it may be helpful to have a family member or close friend go with you. Also, you may want to take the following:

Your loved one's name (full name; also include nickname or other names used)

Your loved one's date of birth

Place of birth

Social Security Number

Occupation

Father's name and mother's maiden name

Proof of military service, if applicable

List of relatives and relationships

List of church, professional, and other organizations in which membership was held

The name and address of an organization or charity to which you want donation made in memory of your loved one

Clothing for viewing and burial, preferable with a high neck line

A list of individuals who may be available as pallbearers and who may speak about your loved one at the service